I'm going to Disney!!!!!

[TJB]

I've done it.
Our first trip to Disney - flights booked for 26th April for 2 weeks - just choosing between 2 villas (both @ Cumbrian Lakes)
I will have lots of questions between now and then. Only 9 weeks Hooray.
I am a complete novice at the whole Disney thing and am trying to find out as much as I can before I go. My youngest son is a huge fan of Toy Story and Incredibles and I remember seeing something about maybe having breakfast with Buzz - If anyone has any details it would be appreciated.
Also want to do Fantasmic (I think thats what it is) and maybe do the dinner where you get the seating to see the show (again any help would be appreciated).
Also I believe I have to pre-book these things, can someone give me some advice on how to do this (getting in a panic now thinking not enough time to do everything)

Also we are flying with Virgin from Gatwick to Orlando but have not yet booked car. Who is best company to deal with for this.

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[princess jackson]

Well you are travelling a week after us, we are travelling from Gatwick on the 19th.

Hollywood and vine a restaurant in MGM, seats you for the show, you have to book this and they will require a credit card to book this.

We have not booked a car yet. Well we are on a flydrive, but leaving the car at the airport, and going to book a car for a couple of days, so we can do universal.

We are staying on site so no need for a car.

I think there maybe a new character breakfast at mgm, that maybe toy story but please do not quote me on this. I may have been dreaming this.

 

[disneyholic family]

first of all, Woo Hoo!!...congratulations..
second of all, don't panic, you have plenty of time....you're going after Easter's long past, so the parks shouldn't be too bad and you shouldn't have too much trouble with reservations....

other people here will be able to help you with your specific questions..

i think that to make the dining reservations you call directly to WDW...from the UK the number is 00-1-407- WDW-DINE .....which in numbers is 00-1-407-939-3463..
call them and say you want to do the Fantasmic Dining Package (but first wait for everyone's advice here as to which restaurant you should pick).
You don't actually "get seats" at fantasmic, rather you will get to sit in the section held for fantasmic dinner package people....so instead of having to get into line for fantasmic an hour or two in advance, you only have to be at the special entrance for dinner package people at about 30 minutes before the show.....when you eat your dinner, you'll be given the passes that you need to show at the entrance..


we ate at the Brown Derby which is the most expensive of the various restuarants available in the package (it was quite good, but you can get off much cheaper than that and still get a good meal)...

 

[JohnnySharp2]

You have chosen a good time to go in terms of crowds and weather.

There are rumours of a new character breakfast featuring Toy Story characters but nothing confirmed yet.
We Have never booked a character breakfast, but I did post a recent thread and got loads of helpfuul advice, we are going to book for 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian.

Stayed at Cumbrian Lakes last August, really liked it there. If you need to know where the nearest supermarket is etc, just let me know....

Did you not book a fly-drive with Virgin? They use Dollar and can recommend them, never have any problems.

 

[ely3857]

Another vote for dollar car hire, we have always flown into Sanford and they are right onsite which is great.

If the Toy Story breakfast isnt up and running when you go I can recommend Chef Mickeys, lots of character interaction and as it's inside the Contempory you get to have a bit of a nosy at that hotel aswell!



Jodie

 

[KayleeUK]

Woo Hoo Get yourself a countdown.

My youngest son is a huge fan of Toy Story and Incredibles and I remember seeing something about maybe having breakfast with Buzz - If anyone has any details it would be appreciated.

There is a rumour about this new Character Dining experience, but nothing has been announced yet, keep checking here as soon as it is announced someone will post.

Also want to do Fantasmic (I think thats what it is) and maybe do the dinner where you get the seating to see the show (again any help would be appreciated).

Here is a FAQ on the Fantasmic Dining Package We have eaten at all three restaurants and would do H&V first, perhaps check the Menu's here to see which suits your family.

Any more questions ask away, it is best to put one topic in each thread to get lots of responses

 

[angel659]

Hi

Congrats on booking your first WDW trip. Its amazing and you will have a great time.

Car Hire try www.yescarhire.com or www.airlinenetwork.com we booked with yes car hire and had no problems.

Liberty Tree Inn and Garden Grill are great character meals although Liberty Tree Inn do not offer character lunch only dinner.

I am not sure if you can book a character meal at MGM, athough there are rumours that they may open one. Hollywood and Vine have a great choice of food I would recommend this for the Fantasmic package, but the only down side is your seats are not as good as you would get if you went early, but at least you wouldnt have to wait over an hour and half for your seats.

Have you looked at Simon V Orlando 2006 Brits Guide book, this offers greats tips for trip planning and explains what days the parks are less busy. We have been 5 times, but still buy the book for upto date information.

Happy planning anymore questions, post away.

 

[Queenie]

Congratulations on your first Florida trip - you're going to love it!!! Just be warned - from the first time you go you will be hooked!!!

Another vote for Dollar car hire, we had a problem with our hire car last year (something was up with the steering) - we took it back to them at the end of the first week and they exchanged it very quickly with no hassels. Then we changed our minds and upgraded!!

 

[carolfoy]

I'll ditto Queenie, watch out you'll be hooked!

 

[Mumof2]

Hi

Welcome and Congratulations. The first time is great but like everyone else has said you'll be hooked.

We went last year and decided we wouldn't go again till 2007 yet lo and behold I'm now sorting things out for a trip this year.

As for the Fantasmic Dinner Package. We went to Mama Melrose's last year and it was a great success. Kids loved the food there!

Enjoy your planning.